Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy has unreservedly condemned the decision by nationalist councillors in Newry & Mourne to name a children’s playpark after convicted IRA terrorist Raymond McCreesh.
Mr Kennedy said:
“I utterly condemn the decision taken by Sinn Fein and SDLP councillors in Newry & Mourne District Council to name a children’s playground after Raymond McCreesh and I have no doubt that this decision will damage community relations across the local area.
The facts are straightforward. Raymond McCreesh was a terrorist who was convicted of attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, possession of firearms with intent to endanger life and IRA membership. To compound that, the Armalite rifle he was caught with was linked to a string of murders including the Kingsmills massacre. This is not ancient history, the wounds are still very raw, and were compounded by the fact that less than two days ago a memorial to the victims of Kingsmills was vandalised whilst under construction and the letters IRA were inscribed into it.
I honestly cannot think of anyone less deserving of commemoration in any shape or form than Raymond McCreesh, but to seek to rename a children’s playground named after this man is an absolute disgrace and those who voted for this should hang their heads in shame.
Sinn Fein’s record with regard to violence is well known, but many in the wider community expected better of the SDLP. Last night they were put to the test in Newry & Mourne and they failed.”